How to translate numbers

Under the Common Words category in the Reo Section you will find a match the word excercise for learning the numbers. You need to know your numbers to be able to do all topics in this section.

The Maori numbering system uses the expanded number system. For example, 21is translated as two tens and one.

The following chart is a guide to translating numbers.

The first number is 21. To translate into Maori, follow these steps.

1. What is the Maori for 2? rua

2. What is the word at the top of that column? tekau

3. What is the word at the top ofthe lastcolumn? ma

4. What is the Maori for 1? tahi

5. Put the lot together. rua tekau ma tahi.

The next number is 456. To translate into Maori, follow these steps.

1. What is the Maori for 4? wha

2. What is the word at the top of that column? rau

3. What is the Maori for 5? rima

3. What is the word at the top of that column? tekau

4. What is the word at the top of the last column? ma

5. What is the Maori for 6? ono

6. Put the lot together. wha rau rima tekau ma ono.

Special Note: The ma is used only before a number between 1 and 9 that is in the last column.

If there is a 0 in any column, that whole column is left out.

20 = rua tekau

404 = wha rau ma wha

2005 = rua mano ma rima

For 100 and 1000 you put a ko in front of the tahi

100 = Kotahi Rau

1000 = Kotahi Mano

Hoko is a word used for a group of 20. Hokowhitu is 7 groups of 20 = 140. None of these excercises use hoko in the answer.